By: Nicholas Maina
On September 23, 1988, the narrative of bravery, love, and artistic brilliance commenced. Ernest and Anneke Robinson celebrated the arrival of their son, Matthew Stanford Robinson, into the world.
However, joy swiftly turned into sorrow as Matthew entered the world with severe disabilities—blind and paralyzed from the neck down. Despite discouraging prognoses from medical professionals, Matthew defied expectations, gracing the world with his presence for an extraordinary 10-and-a-half years.

As Matthew’s life journey concluded in 1999, his father, Ernest Robinson, made a commitment to construct a memorial that transcended conventional expressions of grief. A devoted father and a skilled sculptor, Ernest embarked on a poignant artistic venture. His vision for the memorial aimed to celebrate Matthew’s spirit and resilience, opting to depict his son not in the shadows of sorrow but in the radiance of triumph.
Ernest invested his passion and creativity into crafting a distinctive statue—an homage to Matthew’s unyielding spirit. The sculpture portrays Matthew emerging from his wheelchair, reaching towards the sky, liberated from the burdens of earthly existence. Every intricacy meticulously fashioned, encapsulating the essence of a courageous soul that confronted life’s adversities with steadfast bravery.

Matthew’s disabilities stemmed from insufficient oxygen during birth, leaving him blind and partially paralyzed. His narrative serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the resilience that can blossom amidst profound challenges. Ernest, motivated by love and artistic insight, transformed this tragedy into a beacon of hope.
In the face of adversity, Ernest Robinson transformed sorrow into art, shaping a memorial that surpasses the boundaries of grief. The statue of Matthew Stanford Robinson stands not merely as a tribute to a brave soul but as a manifestation of hope, resilience, and the enduring influence of a father’s love.
The story of Matthew and Ernest serves as a testament to the human capacity to create something beautiful even in the darkest moments—a legacy that inspires others to discover strength and hope in the most unexpected corners of life.
The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye